More artists say…

Here’s what some more of the artists who have played at the Cactus Cafe have to say.

Jackopierce

TODD SNIDER’S THOUGHTS ON CLOSING THE CACTUS
a poem for my friend griff

has anyone considered knocking down the alamo and making a starbucks yet?
there might be some money in it you know
and also, willie hasnt had a big hit record in a while, maybe we should
cut off those ponytails and try something different
also “the lone star state” seems a little unambitous for these modern
times
just one “lone star”?....
i dont know....i think we could get more tourism money
if we called it “the many star” state.....
and maybe even spruced up the flag a little bit..
but thats just me.

Todd Snider

Photo: Todd Purifoy

Guy Forsyth

UT has a history department, a music department, a poetry program in the English department, and a business school. The Cactus Cafe is all of these things working together in a way that is unique to Austin. What is that worth? Why wouldn't the University want to save it?

Nathan Hamilton

Thousands of people through the years have been moved, comforted and recognized by a story or sentiment, sung or spoken, with wit or sorrow, from the stage of the Cactus Cafe. I have been witness to that both as listener and as a performer. The Cactus has been home to the exchange that happens when a room full of strangers join together with all of their hopes, hurts, dreams and doubts. To share an experience through melody, word, laughter and tear. A community of spirit. The worth of that is immeasurable. For that reason alone the Cactus should be left undisturbed to remain the spiritual meeting place that it is.

I remember getting booked at the Cactus Cafe as a major moment in my career, I knew the weight it carried in the industry as well as in the community. I have been fortunate enough to perform there on many occasions and the idea of The Cactus not being there anymore just seems wrong. A place to gather in the spirit of music and words with so much history and so many more songwriters to come I really really hope The Cactus Cafe remains in Austin, Texas forever.

Melissa Ferrick

Shannon McNally

Victoria Williams

It would be such a shame to lose the Cactus. It is a listening room, good for the artist and good for the audience. It is my hope that whoever is trying to shut it down will have a change of heart and preserve this room.

The Cactus roster, present and past, speaks to the quality and value of the club. Sort of. I mean, it’s true that we artistes play almost anyplace that will have us and meet our price. So we end up working plenty of squalid, subterranean cesspits, rooms with the acoustic quality of a black hole but none of its charm. Griff’s excellent stewardship of the Cactus, and his staff’s amiability and unshowy professionalism, have made the place what it is, the most un-black-hole-like and thoroughly welcoming of all the little music rooms in the US. Maybe that’s not reason enough to keep it alive — just because I, and the other bohemian types on this page, think so well of it. Other little clubs will keep hiring us, and we’ll get by with one of our favorites off the list. Some of us won’t be coming to Austin much anymore, though, if at all. Is that a good reason to take extraordinary measures to keep the Cactus open? A question for the locals.

Robbie Fulks